Air France Infant Policy - Flights Counsel

Flying with a baby changes everything. Your packing list doubles, your patience gets tested, and suddenly airline rules matter a lot more than before. If you’re planning to travel with Air France and an infant, understanding the Air France Infant Policy ahead of time can make the whole experience smoother and far less stressful.

Air France is generally family-friendly, but like most international airlines, it has specific rules for infant age limits, fees, seating, bassinets, and baggage. Some of these details aren’t obvious during booking, which is why it helps to know what to expect before you reach the airport.

This guide breaks it all down in simple, human language, without technical fluff.

Who Is Considered an Infant on Air France?

Under the Air France Infant Policy, an infant is defined as:

A child from 7 days old
Up to 23 months on the date of travel

Once a child turns two years old, even if it’s during the trip, they must travel on a child ticket and have their own seat. Air France follows this rule strictly, especially on international routes.

Minimum Age for Infants to Fly

Air France allows newborns to fly once they are at least 7 days old. Babies younger than this are usually not accepted unless there’s a medical necessity and prior airline approval.

Parents traveling with very young infants are encouraged to consult a doctor before flying, particularly for long-haul journeys.

Infant Ticket Options on Air France

The Air France Infant Policy gives parents two main ways to travel with an infant.

Infant on Lap (Infant-in-Arms)

Infant sits on an adult’s lap
No separate seat provided
One lap infant per adult passenger

This option is popular for short flights and helps reduce ticket costs.

Infant with a Separate Seat

Infant occupies their own seat
Child fare applies
Approved car seat required

Many parents prefer this option on long flights for comfort and safety.

How Much Does an Infant Ticket Cost on Air France?

Infant travel isn’t free, but it’s cheaper than adult tickets.

Domestic and Short-Haul Flights

Infant fare is usually a small fixed amount
Taxes may apply
Price varies by route

International Flights

Infant fare is typically around 10% of the adult base fare
Taxes and surcharges are added
Cost varies depending on destination

Under the Air France Infant Policy, infant tickets must be added during booking or before departure.

Seating Rules for Infants on Air France

Seating plays a big role in comfort when traveling with a baby.

Key seating rules include:

Infants cannot sit in exit rows
Bassinet seats are limited and aircraft-specific
Lap infants must be held during takeoff and landing

If seating comfort matters to you, early seat selection is strongly recommended.

Bassinet Availability and Rules

Bassinets can make a huge difference on long flights.

Under the Air France Infant Policy:

Bassinets are available on select long-haul aircraft
They are usually located in bulkhead rows
Infant size and weight limits apply
Availability is limited and not guaranteed

You should request a bassinet as early as possible, ideally right after booking.

Using a Car Seat Onboard

If you book a seat for your infant:

The car seat must be airline-approved
It must fit within Air France seat dimensions
Cabin crew may verify safety certification

This option offers better support, especially on long journeys.

Infant Baggage Allowance on Air France

One helpful part of the Air France Infant Policy is the baggage allowance.

Infants are generally allowed:

One checked baggage item (weight depends on route)
One collapsible stroller or pram
Baby essentials carried onboard

Baggage rules may vary slightly by fare type and destination.

Carry-On Items for Infants

Parents traveling with infants can bring essential items onboard, including:

Baby food and formula
Feeding bottles
Diapers and wipes
Baby medicines

Liquids for infant use are usually allowed beyond standard limits but may be screened at security.

Baby Food and Feeding Support During the Flight

Air France does not always provide infant meals.

Parents are advised to:

Carry enough baby food and milk
Prepare for delays
Ask cabin crew for assistance with warming bottles (when permitted)

Cabin crew are usually supportive but limited by safety rules.

Traveling with Infants on Domestic and Short-Haul Flights

Short flights are generally easier with infants.

On domestic and short-haul routes:

Infant fees are lower
Bassinet availability is limited
Lap infant travel is common

These flights are a good option for first-time infant travelers.

Traveling with Infants on Long-Haul Flights

Long-haul travel requires extra planning.

Under the Air France Infant Policy for international flights:

Passport is mandatory
Visa may be required depending on destination
Bassinet requests are more common
Infant fares are higher

Comfort, feeding schedules, and sleep arrangements become more important.

Required Documents for Infant Travel

Parents should carry:

Infant passport (mandatory for international travel)
Birth certificate (recommended)
Visa documents (if applicable)
Vaccination records (optional but useful)

Document checks are strict, especially for international travel.

Health and Medical Considerations

Air France recommends:

Avoiding travel with sick infants
Carrying prescribed medications
Informing crew of any medical needs

Infants with special medical conditions may require medical clearance before flying.

Adding an Infant After Booking

If you didn’t add the infant during booking:

You can add the infant later
Contact Air France customer support
Additional charges may apply

Under the Air France Infant Policy, infants cannot simply be added at the airport without prior arrangements.

Changes and Cancellations for Infant Tickets

Infant tickets usually follow the adult ticket rules.

This means:

If the adult ticket is refundable, the infant ticket may be refunded
Change fees may apply
Infant booking must be modified with the adult reservation

Fare rules always take priority.

Traveling Alone with an Infant

Solo parents can travel with infants, but:

Only one lap infant is allowed per adult
Extra assistance should be requested in advance
Carrying essentials is crucial

Air France staff usually assist when informed ahead of time.

Common Mistakes Parents Make

Many issues are avoidable.

Common mistakes include:

Forgetting to add the infant during booking
Assuming infant travel is free
Not requesting bassinets early
Carrying incomplete documents

Understanding the Air France Infant Policy prevents last-minute stress.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Journey

A few real-world tips help:

Choose bulkhead seats if possible
Feed during takeoff and landing
Pack extra diapers and clothes
Arrive early at the airport

Little things matter when traveling with a baby.

Final Thoughts on Air France Infant Policy

The Air France Infant Policy is designed to balance safety, comfort, and practicality for families traveling with babies. While the rules are clear, the experience becomes much easier when parents plan ahead, understand fees, and prepare for seating and baggage needs.

Flying with an infant isn’t always easy, but with the right preparation, Air France can be a comfortable and reliable choice for family travel.